Technology becoming easier, cheaper

1:45 PM,
Jan. 5, 2013

The Walker family, Brandon Walker, left, and his wife Jennifer can control some of their home's systems with an IPad app.

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When Brandon Walker is away from home on business, he rests easier knowing his wife and son are protected by a security system that includes an outdoor camera viewable from their smart phones.

When he arrives home after dark, he appreciates the ability to turn on the hall light automatically when he disarms the alarm before entering the house.

And whenever a Bengals game gets discouraging, he says, he and his wife can turn off the TV surround-sound and "switch right over to some local classic rock and have another beer" without ever leaving their seats - even if they're on the patio. ...